On the Red Road in Salt Lake, Native Americans call on Biden to protect Bears Ears

Tribal members call on Biden to protect Bears Ears

Leaders and activists seek the protection of sacred Bears Ears landscape

© Provided by Salt Lake Tribune (Zak Podmore | The Salt Lake Tribune) Hank Stevens, Navajo Nation representative and co-chair of the Bears Ears Inter-Tribal Coalition, sits on the trailer carrying the Lummi Nation's totem pole from Washington state to Washington, D.C., on Saturday, July 17, 2021.
Read article at MSN: https://www.msn.com/en-us/travel/tripideas/indigenous-leaders-call-on-biden-to-enlarge-bears-ears-national-monument-as-25-foot-totem-pole-travels-from-washington-state-to-washington-dc/ar-AAMhWzR

By Red Road to DC

Censored News

SALT LAKE, Utah —The sacred landscape of Bears Ears needs immediate protection, said members of the Hopi Tribe, Navajo Nation, Ute Mountain Ute Tribe, Pueblo of Zuni, and Ute Indian Tribe.

In an event held as part of the Red Road to DC, a cross-country tour highlighting Indigenous sacred sites at risk, area tribal members called for the restoration and expansion of protections for the original Bears Ears National Monument that were illegally removed during the Trump administration. Organizers of the Red Road tour stopped in Salt Lake City to display a totem pole by Lummi Nation carvers to highlight sacred sites at risk due to development and infrastructure projects.

"This is a historic journey where Tribes have united to create a ceremonial trail across Indigenous Nations," said Hank Stevens, Co-Chair of the Bears Ears Inter-Tribal Coalition and Navajo Nation representative. "We are ecstatic for the opportunity to be a part of the Red Road Journey to Washington D.C."

Red Road to DC: For Generations to Come

July 14, 2021

Native activists begin cross-country tour to highlight at-risk sacred sites

Group says Biden must address crisis posed by development in Indian Country

Schedule July 14 -- 29, 2021

 

BELLINGHAM, Washington — Native American activists and allies from across the country today began a cross-country tour called the Red Road to DC to highlight the threats to Indigenous sacred sites. They will transport a totem pole carved by the House of Tears Carvers from Lummi Nation to each sacred site to highlight the importance of President Biden taking immediate action to protect the areas. 

 

"It is our Xa xalh Xechnging, our sacred obligation, as Lummi people, to care for our lands, waters, and all living things on Earth," said Jewell James (Lummi), master carver at House of Tears Carvers. "Each person who comes to the events at the sacred sites who lays their hands on it, is instilling it with a message and a prayer that the places Indian people pray, and collect foods and medicines, will be protected."